The Marathon Program

BEGINNER MARATHON TRAINING PLAN (5 MONTHS)

Note: for a runner at a beginner level of running, not suited to someone starting with zero running experience!

Introduction & Safety Guidelines

Marathon training requires consistency, patience, and a gradual build-up in both mileage and strength. To prevent injuries and maximize results, follow these key safety guidelines:

• Listen to Your Body: If you experience pain (beyond normal soreness), take extra rest or consult a professional.

• Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Always start with 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretching or light jogging and finish with static stretching.

• Hydration & Nutrition: Drink enough water and fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in carbs, proteins, and healthy fats.

• Proper Footwear: Invest in good running shoes suited to your foot type and gait.

• Rest & Recovery: Schedule at least one full rest day per week and prioritize sleep.

NOTE: If you are unsure about any exercise, speak to a fitness professional for guidance.

Training Overview

This plan combines road running with gym workouts to build endurance, strength, and resilience.

• Running Days: 4-5 days per week, with long runs progressively increasing in distance.
• Gym Workouts: 2 days per week, focusing on strength and injury prevention.
• Rest & Recovery Days: 1-2 days per week.
• Cross-Training: Includes cycling, swimming, or rowing to enhance endurance while reducing impact on joints.

Weekly Training Schedule

Week 1-4: Foundation Phase

• Monday: Rest or active recovery (walking, yoga)
• Tuesday: 5-8 km’s easy run + Gym (Full-Body Strength)
• Wednesday: Cross-train (cycling/swimming) or 3-km run
• Thursday: 6-10 km’s tempo run
• Friday: Gym (Core & Mobility Focus) or Rest
• Saturday: Long Run (11-16 km’s, increasing weekly)
• Sunday: Recovery Run (5-6 km’s) or Cross-train

Week 5-12: Endurance & Strength Phase

• Tuesday: 6-11 km’s steady run + Gym (Leg Strength & Stability)
• Thursday: 10-13 km’s interval/speed training
• Saturday: Long Run (16-24 km’s, increasing weekly)
• Sunday: Recovery Run or Cross-train

Week 13-20: Peak & Tapering Phase

• Long runs peak at 29-32 km’s by Week 16.
• Gradual mileage reduction in the final 3-4 weeks for tapering.

Gym Workouts & Exercise Guide

Each gym session should include:

1. Warm-up: 5-10 min of light cardio + mobility exercises.
2. Strength Training: 3 sets of 8-12 reps per exercise.
3. Cool-down & Stretching: Focus on flexibility.

Gym Workout A (Full-Body Strength)

• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Lunges
• Overhead Press
• Pull-ups or Lat Pulldown
• Plank Variations

Gym Workout B (Core & Mobility Focus)

• Bulgarian Split Squats
• Step-ups
• Kettlebell Swings
• Medicine Ball Twists
• Hanging Leg Raises
• Foam Rolling & Stretching

How to Perform the Gym Exercises

• Squats: Keep feet shoulder-width apart, chest up, and lower hips until thighs are parallel to the ground.
• Deadlifts: Maintain a straight back, hinge at the hips, and engage the core while lifting.
• Lunges: Step forward, keeping the knee above the ankle, and lower hips.
• Overhead Press: Press weights overhead while maintaining core engagement.
• Planks: Keep the body in a straight line from head to heels, engaging the core.

Conclusion

Cross-training helps build cardiovascular endurance while reducing the risk of overuse injuries. Activities like cycling, swimming, and rowing strengthen different muscle groups, improve aerobic capacity, and enhance recovery. Incorporating these activities ensures balanced fitness and prevents burnout.

Consistency is key! Follow this structured plan, prioritize rest and nutrition, and trust the process. Good luck with your marathon training!

Please Note: The information provided in this article are the opinions and professional experience of the author and not all activities are recommended for the beginner or participants with underlying health conditions. Before following any advice or starting any fitness, health and wellbeing journey please consult with an Allied Health Professional and / or General Practitioner.

• Bio

Steve Irwin

Steve has spent the last 20 years in the Australian Fitness Industry as a Group Fitness Instructor, 1-1 Coach, State Manager, Business Owner and is currently an Educator for the Australian Institute of Fitness. A lifelong fitness enthusiast he started his working life in the Military which guided him into the fitness industry where his passion for helping others on their health and fitness journey has been realised. Steve believes that for anyone thinking about getting fit or healthy they should “just get started” as “doing something is better than doing nothing”.